Figure 2.

Immunization with pConNS3/NS4A induces robust CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses (n = 5). Proliferative responses were measured with CFSE dilution assay ~2 months following the last immunization. PBMCs were stimulated with HCV NS3 peptides, overlapping by eight amino acids and spanning the entire length of the NS3 protein. (a) Representative dot plots are shown for both the naive group (immunized with non-HCV antigens) and the pConNS3/NS4A immunized group. The average total percent NS3-specific T cell proliferation for each group. (b) Individual NS3-specific proliferative responses for each animal. CFSE, carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester; HCV, hepatitis C virus; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell.